How secretive is GCHQ?

Yes we are a secret intelligence agency, but we are committed to being as open as we can be, in line with the Government’s openness policy. We have had a website since 1997 and strive to publish as much information as possible without compromising security.

What is the UK version of the Pentagon?

The Ministry of Defence (MOD or MoD) is the British government department responsible for implementing the defence policy set by Her Majesty’s Government, and is the headquarters of the British Armed Forces.

Is the MI5 building real?

Thames House is an office building in Millbank, London, on the north bank of the River Thames adjacent to Lambeth Bridge. Originally used as offices by Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI), it has served as the headquarters of the United Kingdom’s internal Security Service (commonly known as MI5) since December 1994.

What is inside GCHQ?

There are two main components of the GCHQ, the Composite Signals Organisation (CSO), which is responsible for gathering information, and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which is responsible for securing the UK’s own communications.

Can you tell your family you work for MI6?

Section 1 of the Official Secrets Act 1989 prohibits our current and former staff from making unauthorised disclosures of information concerning security or intelligence that they acquired while working for MI5. We can only pass on information as is necessary for purposes of protecting national security.

Why is GCHQ round?

The design of the Doughnut reflects GCHQ’s intended new mode of work after the end of the Cold War, with its design facilitating talking among staff, and between them and the Director of GCHQ and his subordinates. It was estimated that anyone in the building could reach any other worker within five minutes.

Does MI6 have 00 agents?

In Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels and the derived films, the 00 Section of MI6 is considered the secret service’s elite.